- May 21, 2010
- 14
- 3
- 77
I have 8 nest boxes. 17 hens: 6 Dominique, 5 Wyandotte, 6 Easter Eggers. A few of the Dominiques are aggressive at the nest boxes toward the other hens who are clearly trying to find a place to lay. They are all a week shy of 6 months. They free range but I had a feeling several were laying outside and not in boxes so today I decided close run door to sit and watch. One or two Dominiques are chasing all others away from nest boxes. After she finished laying I put her outside and she is attacking the coop as I type trying to get back in. I have been getting 4-6 eggs a day in the nest boxes but I think more are being laid elsewhere because a few of the overly protective dominques. Should I just keep them locked in for several days and let them sort it out? Some of my hens started laying before 4 months and some are just now starting. My EEs in particular seem to be the ones getting the majority of the harassment.